In the context of Motivational Interviewing, discord represents tension or strain between the helper and the client, distinct from a client's internal struggle with change. Discord often arises from clients feeling judged or misunderstood, manifesting as defensiveness, arguing, minimizing, withdrawing, or changing the subject. Responding to these signs is crucial for building trust and maintaining engagement. Instead of pushing through this tension, the recommended approach involves pausing, observing, using reflective listening to validate feelings, and adjusting the approach to be more collaborative and emphasize client autonomy, ultimately helping to re-engage the client. Sage Training and Consulting: traumainformedMI.com